And the winner is...

The Bailey People Watching Award definitely goes to the pink-suited kid in the Solitude ski lodge, circa 5 years of age.  Said kid studied her hotdog carefully, licked the entire surface of the bun, then turned to mom and asked with perfect innocence and sincerity, "Want a bite?"

Flashback Friday

An old friend from our University Villa days (sigh. good memories. once a 2nd warder always a 2nd warder...) sent me a timely email with an old photo he found in the eaves of his computer.

Besides a mild concern about photos of us kissing being in unknown locations, it was a happy Christmas surprise to get this little piece of nostalgia from 2004.

May this year's mistletoe bring you good luck and happy memories for years to come!

Seriously, so funny

If you haven't already, you should definitely see this blog.  I laughed out loud...and then laughed at myself over some things that hit close to home.  But I still think that happiness is being married to your best friend.  And I'm still glad Chris is in med school.  And I'm still glad I get a pedi every week.  Oh wait...

Pretty in Pink...and Palin

Yesterday, I dropped off my mom and brother for a doctor's appointment.  I decided to go to my favororite running store that just opened a new shop in Provo to use my Christmas gift money to buy some much-needed new running shoes (thanks, Mom and Dad Bailey!).

I picked out what I thought, and still think, is the most awesome shoe I've ever worn or owned: The Gel Nimbus 11 in "White Lightning".  Oh yes, it is beautiful to behold.

It has I.G.S. (for the uninitiated (me), that's Impact Guidance System), GEL Cushioning System, and Asymmetrical Lace Design.  I just like that it's incredibly comfortable and pink.

Pleased with my purchase, I went back to the doctor's office and picked up a copy of Newsweek while I waited.

Sarah Palin's still making headlines?  I thought to myself.  Nice running clothes though.  Then, I looked closer.

That's right.  She's wearing the Gel Nimbus 11.  My Gel Nimbus 11.  Never in my wildest, slightly fashion-impaired dreams did I ever think I would see my clothes--in a magazine--on a celebrity.  Nevermind that I think this celebrity has a few screws loose (after all, what celebrity doesn't?).  My new shoes are famous!

I think that may just get the new year off on the right foot.

Tipping the scales

I think I may convince Chris to apply to residency in Utah after all...

My little mom

Before chemo...
(we ran the Women's Four Miler together in Charlottesville just weeks before she was diagnosed with lymphoma)

During chemo...

(the wife of her home teacher made her lots of super cute, comfy, warm hats to wear - just one of many, many kindnesses we have received)

Looking forward to the day when I can post the "after chemo - remission!" She's a tough cookie, a gracious patient, and now as ever the greatest little mom a kid could ask for. I love you, Mom!

You know you're a nerd family when...

...you find these beauties interspersed among the vacation and family photos.

There's just something about a lab coat, clip board, and the ability to harvest mouse specimens for an organ bath that I find irresistible.

The Weather Outside is FUNful

With 27 hours of snow fall, by Saturday night our ugly little dead-end street was transformed into a winter wonderland!

Saturday we stayed inside most of the day, watched the snow fall, and had a romantic dinner of soup and biscuits.

Sunday morning, we ventured out in the Rachel-thigh-deep drifts. Cars were covered...

...and tragically, church and all of the accompanying early morning meetings for Chris were cancelled.

We were clearly devastated. We consoled ourselves by finally getting a good picture for a Christmas card.

Merry Christmas to all of you!

In Memory of John Jones - How You Can Help

I haven't blogged about this (besides that I haven't blogged about anything in months) because my heart is too full to express myself without blubbering, but I at least want to get the word out...

As some of you are aware, our dear friend John Jones died in a caving accident in Utah on November 25. John was in Chris's medical school class; he and his wife Emily are in our ward (local church group) and have been wonderful friends since we moved to Charlottesville last year. Emily is amazingly strong and wants to rise to the challenge of raising her 14 month daughter Lizzy and her unborn child (due in June) on her own. She graduated with her bachelor's in psychology and is now going to need to go to graduate school and start a new future with her children. We are doing a fundraiser at Applebee's here in Charlottesville on Dec. 19th from 7:30-9:30am. Applebee's is providing a pancake breakfast, and 100% of the proceeds go to Emily and her family.

If you're not in Charlottesville or can't make the breakfast on Saturday, you can also donate any amount to Emily and her children online at: johnjonesmemorial.com

Thanks for making a difference. Please pass the word along, and let me know if you have any questions about how we can help this wonderful family through this.